The Department of Justice (DOJ) clarified there is no specific number, priority list, or deadline for the arrest of fugitives wanted in ongoing cases, emphasizing that law enforcement operations must be guided by real-time intelligence and proper coordination.

DOJ Assistant Secretary and spokesman Mico Clavano IV stressed that the government will not implement a “queuing system” or set quotas for arrests, warning that such practices could undermine the integrity and effectiveness of operations.

“There’s no specific number, no set date, and no individual being targeted ahead of others,” Clavano said. “There are no queuing numbers here.”

He explained that the current strategy involves pursuing simultaneous arrests based on consolidated intelligence efforts.

“We gather intelligence on them all at the same time, and we aim to arrest them together where possible,” Clavano added, underscoring the level of operational coordination required.

Clavano also emphasized that the primary responsibility for locating and apprehending fugitives rests with the Philippine National Police (PNP), not the DOJ.

“It’s really within their jurisdiction,” he noted. “The role of the DOJ and our prosecutors comes in once the suspects are brought to court. That’s where we present evidence and handle prosecution.”

His remarks come amid growing public pressure to apprehend high-profile fugitives, particularly in politically sensitive and human rights-related cases. However, Clavano urged the public to trust the process and avoid speculation based on the pace of arrests.

“Whoever gets caught, gets caught. We move based on operational readiness — not on public timelines,” he said.

The DOJ reiterated its support for the PNP’s efforts and said it remains ready to prosecute cases once suspects are turned over to the legal system.